GWU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Longwood University in Farmville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Longwood University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Longwood University 15:1.

GWU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Longwood University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Gardner Webb University than Longwood University ($20,016 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 34.5% lower than at Longwood University ($11,410 vs. $17,424).
• Gardner Webb University is 120.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $19,016 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at GWU than at Longwood University (about $6,782 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Longwood University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 94.1% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($27,088 vs. $13,954).

GWU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Longwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Longwood University and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 30 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Longwood University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Longwood University (3.59).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

GWU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Longwood University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $31 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($24,969 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Longwood University and GWU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.